On Sept. 13, at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast, Limerick’s Paddy Donovan and hometown hero Lewis Crocker make prizefighting history when they clash for the vacant IBF world welterweight title. It will be the first world title match between two Irish fighters -- thanks, in part, to a New Yorker with Galway roots.
Attorney Keith Sullivan is Donovan’s co-manager. The life-long boxing aficionado and former New York State Athletic Commission deputy commissioner was flabbergasted when Donovan-Crocker I, an eliminator for Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ IBF belt, ended controversially with his charge’s disqualification at Belfast’s SSE Arena last March. This, after Donovan -- comfortably ahead on points – landed a blow after the bell in the eighth round.
Donovan had twice been deducted points before that. Undefeated going into the match [14-0, 11 KOs], the DQ tarnished his hitherto unblemished ledger. It also deprived of him of a world title shot. But not if Sullivan could help it.
“That night from the arena, I called the IBF president and said I'm launching an appeal, and I'm asking that the IBF not allow the schedule to take effect of Crocker versus Boots until the appeal is decided,” recalled Sullivan. “We were in the right that there should not have been a disqualification, so I was able to file an appeal within 72 hours – and I filed and we had a decision I think about three weeks later.”
It got better. Not only was Donovan granted an immediate rematch, but it would be for all the marbles this time. With Boots Ennis having vacated the IBF 147-pound title to move up to super welterweight [154-pounds], the Donovan-Crocker II winner would be crowned world champion.
"It's going to be a great atmosphere in Belfast on fight night,” said Donovan. “I'm looking to repeat another stellar boxing performance, set the record straight and come home with a world title. I can't wait!"
“This is the fight I’ve wanted since the final bell of the first one,” said Crocker. “To run it back for the IBF world title — and to do it such an iconic stadium in Belfast, in front of my own people — is something I’ve dreamed of my whole life.
“This isn’t just a rematch. It’s my chance to silence the doubters and prove I’m the best welterweight in the world. I know exactly what I need to do — and on fight night, I’m leaving with that world title.”
“This is absolutely huge – the first ever all-Irish world title fight,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The first meeting between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan had it all – an electric build-up, guts, knockdowns and a hugely controversial ending. That drama-filled night in March has set the rematch up perfectly, and Sept. 13 promises to be even bigger and better.
So, should Donovan, who was having his way with the unbeaten Crocker [21-0, 11 KOs] the first time around, pull it off as expected, it will be a case of all being well that ends well.
It will also mean a world champion for co-managers Andy Lee and Sullivan with other prospects in line for the latter. Sullivan also represents Donovan’s highly touted 20-year-old cousin Jim Donovan, the standout amateur out of Limerick who makes his pro debut on Donovan-Crocker II.
States-side, Sullivan manages Pryce Taylor, a 9-0 [6 KO] heavyweight out of Brooklyn; and Nisa Rodriguez, the 3-1 NYPD officer and rising middleweight
A decorated amateur in the past, Rodriguez won eight New York Daily News Golden Gloves titles and three National Golden Gloves Championships.
